SEASONAL CHANGES IN LEAF NITROGEN OF OLIVE TREES GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION REGIMES AND CROP LEVEL

An experiment was conducted over 12 months using field-grown olive trees (Olea europaea) to assess the combined effect of soil water availability and fruit number on seasonal changes in leaf nitrogen (N) concentration. Three irrigation regimes were established and three trees per irrigation treatment were thinned to reduce their yield to about half that of unthinned trees. The N concentration of fully-expanded leaves from either the current-year growth or one-year old part of fruiting shoots was determined every two months. Nitrogen concentration was higher in current-year leaves than in one-year old ones at most sampling dates. Maximum values of leaf N were measured in spring, minimum values in August. Leaf N concentrations were positively correlated with leaf water potential during fruit development. This relationship was weak at the onset of rapid oil accumulation in August and became more evident at harvest. There was no correlation between leaf N and crop level.     

Seasonal variation in nutrient concentration in leaves and inflorescences of Avocado

The concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined in leaves from the north and south sides of the tree canopy, and in apical and basal parts of winter and fall inflorescences of 20‐year‐old ‘Colin V‐33’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees, to observe the seasonal variation of all these nutrients in leaves and in inflorescences. The concentration of all the elements evaluated did not change considerably during the months of flowering and vegetative growth, but it changed with leaf age. The concentration of Ca and Mg were 14 and 7% higher, in the leaves on the south side of the canopy than in those on the north side. Inflorescences had higher P and K, and lower Ca and Mg concentrations than leaves. The concentration of Ca and Mg was higher in the winter inflorescences than in the autumn ones. The concentration of P was significantly higher in the apical part of the inflorescence than in the basal part.     

Foliar application of urea to almond and olive: Leaf retention and kinetics of uptake

Regression equations relating volume of urea solutions retained on leaves initially and leaf area were developed to assess urea deposition nondestructively and facilitate measurement of urea uptake by leaves of olive (Olea europaea L.) and almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb], Foliar uptake of urea was slower in olive than it was in almond, but uptake in both species was proportional to the concentration of the urea applied. Foliar uptake of urea was not influenced by previous applications. No phytotoxicity was apparent in almond and olive following single applications of 0.5% w/v urea and 4% (w/v), respectively. Approximately 15 times more urea could be applied per cm of an olive leaf than per cm of an almond leaf at the threshold of phytotoxicity. Leaf N content in olive was increased 47% with minimal phytotoxicity following 5 successive foliar applications of 2% urea within ten days.     

桑轮纹病发生区桑叶表面细菌群落结构在冠层内的分异

探明桑轮纹病发生区冠层内叶表面微生物多样性、结构组成和功能的变化情况,有助于快速筛选控制桑轮纹病病原菌(Gonatophragmium mori)潜在的拮抗微生物。本研究基于高通量测序技术,分析冠层上部和下部叶片上表面和下表面细菌相对丰度的差异。结果发现:1)在多样性指数(Shannon)上,冠层上部叶片是冠层下部叶片的1.26倍,冠层内叶片上表面是下表面的1.49倍。2)在结构上,冠层下部叶片的下表面(LB)和冠层上部叶片的下表面(UB)的优势属均为泛菌属(Pantoea),其相对丰度分别为38.04%和25.31%,而冠层下部叶片的上表面(LS)为沙雷氏菌属(Serratia)、冠层上部叶片的上表面(US)为寡养单胞菌属(Stenotrophomonas),其相对丰度分别为18.0%、23.73%。3)在功能上,冠层下部叶片细菌的碳水化合物和氨基酸的运输和代谢功能比冠层上部叶片强,然而脂质的运输和代谢功能比冠层上部叶片弱;冠层上部叶片上表面细菌的细胞壁生物发生功能比下表面强,而氨基酸的运输和代谢功能弱于下表面;冠层下部叶片上表面细菌的次生代谢物的生物合成、运输和分解代谢和脂质运输和代谢功能强于下表面,而细胞运动比下表面弱。4)冠层内叶片表面芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)、不粘柄菌属(Asticcacaulis)和苯基杆菌属(Phenylobacterium)的相对丰度与病原菌的相对丰度负相关性显著(P0.05),相关性最大的为芽孢杆菌属,系数为-0.87。上述结果表明桑轮纹病发生区冠层内桑叶上下表面细菌群落的多样性、结构组成和功能存在显著差异,对进一步研究桑轮纹病的生物防控具有一定的科学意义。     

Dynamics of macronutrients in olive leaves

The study aims to track the dynamics of the olive leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for five olive varieties under drip irrigation in farmer's fields in central Morocco. Leaf sampling was done every month from May 2014 to April 2015. Leaf macronutrients contents showed variation over time. Olive leaves have maintained the same N content throughout the study period indicating a continuing olive uptake of nitrogen. Higher leaf P absorption was observed during flowering and fruit magnification periods indicating the important P needs of olive during these periods. Olive leaf K levels were higher from September to December indicating the high K needs of olive. No variety effect was revealed on the leaf N, P and K contents. Very highly significant differences were found between the leaf N and K levels measured at different sampling periods. The leaf P concentration was statistically equal in all measuring periods.     

Potassium and calcium distribution patterns along the leaf insertion gradient of bean plants grown in nutrient solutions

Potassium and calcium distribution patterns along the leaf insertion gradient of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Tacarigua) were analyzed in plants grown in different K and Ca concentrations in the nutrient solution. The plants were sampled at the early flowering stage and the leaves analyzed following the helix or genetic spiral which follows leaves in the order of their origin at the shoot tip. Different canopy profiles for K and Ca showed that “critical concentration limits”; could be established for K but not for Ca, due perhaps to the non‐phloem mobile nature of this element. Besides, sampling procedures based on a “representative”; leaf (or leaves) were compared to those based on the sampling of the whole canopy in order to obtain reference nutrient concentration values.     

Differential effects of canopy manipulation and shading of vitis vinifera L. cv. cabernet sauvignon: Plant nutritional status

The effects of canopy manipulation and shading on crop quantity and quality as well as plant physiology in Vitis vinifera have already been studied by many authors while the plant nutritional status changes induced by such treatments present many unexplained aspects. Partial cluster and leaf removals were performed on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon at veraison (40% berries coloured) for two years to give four treatments: Control (C), Cluster Thinning (CT), Leaf Removal (LR), and Cluster Thinned + Leaf Removal (CT+LR) plots. At veraison, one half of these plots were shaded using a 50% shading net. The correlations between elemental contents of different organs showed that only potassium (K) in the leaves and stems were positively related, while for the other macro‐ and micro‐elements, no relationship or negative links were obtained. Shading needs only 14 days to modify the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in leaves. At harvest, N was depressed in leaves of cluster‐thinned vines and enhanced in leaf‐removed ones. Such changes are discussed on the basis of photosynthetic data which support the hypothesis that canopy manipulation involves modifications in both leaf biochemical and photochemical activities.     

Dynamics of mineral nutrient element concentrations in developing cotton leaves,bracts, and floral buds in relation to position in the canopy

Plant mineral nutrient element status is an important factor influencing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, development, metabolism, and yield. A field study was conducted to determine changes in mineral nutrient element concentrations in leaves, bracts, and floral buds of field‐grown cotton plants during development of squares (floral bud with three bracts) as affected by fruiting position within the plant canopy. During square ontogeny, the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) concentrations of sympodial leaves and floral bracts decreased, whereas the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) increased, and sulfur (S) concentration exhibited little change (leaves) or increased (bracts) with increasing square age. The N, P, Ca, and S concentrations in floral buds declined synchronously; K and Mg concentrations showed an increasing trend within the first 20 days, peaked at about 25‐day square age, and then sharply decreased three to five days before flowering. During square development, the effect of main‐stem node (MSN) and sympodial branch fruiting position in the plant canopy on mineral nutrient element concentrations of bracts was greater than on those of floral buds. Differences in the mineral nutrient element concentrations existed among the sympodial leaves, bracts, and floral buds. This study provides the patterns of mineral nutrient element concentrations in these plant tissues during the square development phase in relation to MSNs and branch fruiting positions in the cotton plant canopy.     

Nitrogen nutrition diagnosis for olive trees grown in super-intensive cropping systems

Abstract

The results of a 4-year experiment combining irrigation, N, and K showed that to maintain productivity and tree growth it is necessary to attain a higher leaf N status than current diagnosis standards. To sustain high oil yield and quality and to avoid excessive vigor, a critical N concentration was established for olive trees of 1.94% for leaves sampled in July. A negative relationship was obtained between N leaf concentration and some quality parameters. Above 1.94% N, total phenolic content and oxidative stability fell below 220?mg kg^?1 and 10?hr, respectively. In addition, above this N leaf concentration other factors including the alternate bearing index (ABI) and vegetative growth distorted productive and qualitative responses. Moreover, the differential productive response of trees related to alternate fruit bearing status implies that the interpretation of leaf nitrogen content can be more accurate when ABI suggests an ON tree status.     

Seasonal nitrogen changes in Alnus orientalis and Populus nigra and N2 fixation by exotic alder species in Syria

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted. The first was to study nodulation and N₂fixation of several introduced alder species (Alnus glutinosa, A. incana, A. rubra, and A. viridis) grown in soil from beneath Alnus orientalis. The second was to determine pattern of nitrogen (N) changes in leaves and bark of Alnus orientalis and Populus nigra natural stands during two successive years. Results showed that Frankia in soil from underneath Alnus orientalis nodulated and fixed nitrogen on roots of local alder as well as on roots of introduced alder species from distant and ecologically diverse localities. However, differences were found among species in the number of nodules formed and amount of nitrogen fixed. Percentages of nitrogen derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa) ranged from 5% in A. viridis to 66% in A. orientalis. Microscopic study of Alnus orientalis nodules showed the presence of vesicles, and Frankia belonging to Sp^‐ type. Foliar N concentration was higher in alder than in poplar. Total N concentration in alder leaves remained relatively constant at about 3% during summer, whereas N concentration in poplar decreased sharply in leaves and increased in bark. No substantial increase in N concentration was found in alder bark, and the fallen leaves were rich in N. During autumn, leaf N concentrations in poplar decreased by 43% and 51% for the first and the second year, respectively; whereas N concentrations in bark increased by 71 % and 100%. Total N concentrations in alder leaves decreased only by 8–16% while, values in the adjacent bark remained stable. In contrast to poplar, it seems that Alnus orientalis does not exhibit net leaf retranslocation to bark tissues.     

稻鸭共作对水稻部分株型结构指标的影响

水稻株型结构能够影响水稻的产量和品质。稻鸭共作能否对水稻株型结构产生影响,目前这方面的定量研究还很少。本研究通过田间对比试验,探讨了稻鸭共作与常规稻作两种处理对水稻分蘖期和齐穗期的部分株型结构指标的影响。结果表明,与常规稻作方式相比,稻鸭共作使水稻基部宽度呈减小趋势、冠层幅度呈增大趋势,最终使植株松散度显著增加,分蘖期和齐穗期增幅分别为12.2%和42.3%。稻鸭共作使水稻倒3叶和倒4叶的叶长、叶开角和披垂度减少,使剑叶和倒2叶的叶长、叶开角和披垂度增大,从而使水稻呈上披下挺的株型结构,并使叶面积主要分布于上部叶片。稻鸭共作使水稻植株的基叶高呈增加趋势,在齐穗期与常规处理达到显著性差异。稻鸭共作有利于水稻生育前期和中期的茎蘖合理发展,而且在后期可促进水稻上部功能叶片的生长,这在一定程度上有利于水稻高产的形成。     

Distribution profiles of dry matter and total nitrogen in leaves and stems of oriental field‐grown tobacco plants at different nitrogen levels

Oriental tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Myrodata Agrinion) were grown without nitrogen (N) fertilization (N₀) and with added ammonium nitrate at a rate of 50 kg‐ha^‐1 (N₁) and 100 kg‐ha^‐1 (N₂). Non‐uniform patterns for leaf FW and DW changes per node showed a decreasing trend from lower to upper nodes during the vegetative stage. From approaching flowering to fruit set, these patterns became more uniform. Plants which were fertilized with N had increased leaf FW and DW accumulation levels and non‐uniform distribution patterns, primarily during the reproductive stage, and leaves of the lower nodes were found in the older plants. By contrast, the median values of leaf FW for the unfertilized plants were reduced during the reproductive period. The DW/FW×100 ratio values revealed a stable relationship between leaf FW and DW from the vegetative to the reproductive stage, while modified patterns of DW/FW×100 appeared later in the plant cycle. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in an early appearance of modified patterns of DW/FW×100 in the plant life cycle and higher accumulation of dry matter per unit leaf area. Patterns of total leaf N concentration showed an increasing trend from the lower to the upper nodes for all plant ages and treatments. Total N concentration values varied from 1.6%, 1.9%, and 1.8% on a dry matter basis, for the lower node up to 5.5%, 6.3%, and 6.1% for the upper node in young tobacco plants in the N _o , N₁, and N ₂ treatments, respectively. After fruit set, a more uniform distribution of total leaf N was observed among the leaves in all treatments. Concentration values for total leaf N in older plants varied from 1.9%, 2.1%, and 2.2% for the lower node up to 3.4%, 3.3% and 3.2% for the upper node in the N ₀ , N₁, and N₂ treatments, respectively. These results suggest a progressive decrease with plant age for total leaf N concentration in the plant as a whole. The increased N fertilizer level affected the total N level in young plants but not in the older ones. Inflorescence and fruit set periods are critical for plant N balance except for the plants which received the increased N fertilization. The determined total stem N concentration was less than that for the leaves. This change in the stem, similar to leaves, showed an increasing trend from the basal to the upper part and a decreasing trend from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. The total stem N level declined from 1.0–1.2%, 1.6–1.7%, and 2.2–2.9% on a dry matter basis to 0.5–0.6%, 1.0–1.2%, and 1.2–1.6% for the basal, middle, and upper part of the stem, respectively.     

Effect of introduced exotic tree litter on consumption patterns of the introduced exotic isopod Armadillidium vulgare

The feeding preferences and consumption rates of the exotic woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare were measured on litters from the autochthonous Rio Grande cottonwood and the exotic Russian olive. When offered a choice between five litter types (green and shed leaves of Russian olive and cottonwood, and fruits of Russian olive), the isopods consumed more of the exotic plant litter (green leaves and the fruits of Russian olive) than of the autochthonous cottonwood. When offered only one diet, consumption rates of green leaves and fruits of Russian olive were again the highest. Feeding was related with N and C:N ratios of the litter, with highest consumption of diets with low and high C:N ratios and lowest consumption of diets with intermediate C:N ratios. The N content was highest (and C:N ratios lowest) on isopods feeding shed leaves of Russian olive. Growth was not related to the amount or the C:N ratio of the food consumed, being highest for animals feeding on shed leaves of cottonwood. Our results show that the consumption patterns and the C and N body composition of the exotic woodlouse A. vulgare are altered when fed with Russian olive litter, suggesting that the replacement of the autochthonous cottonwood by the exotic Russian olive may negatively affect the maintenance of the population of these exotic detritivores in the area.     

Nutritional characteristics of sago palm and oil palm in tropical peat soil

To make clear the nutritional characteristics of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensin Jacq.) grown in tropical peat soil, minerals concentration, organic compounds concentration, and photo‐synthetic rate were estimated, and the obtained results were as follows. Since, the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) concentration in mature leaves and trunk were higher in the oil palm than in the sago palm, but potassium (K) concentration was higher in the sago palm than in the oil palm, the minerals (especially N, P, Ca, and Mg) requirement for the oil palm were higher than in the sago palm. This indicates that the sago palm will adapt better than the oil palm to soils with poor nutrients. The manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentration in leaves of the sago palm and Ca and aluminum (Al) concentration in leaves of the oil palm increased with the increase of aging, indicating that those elements are eliminated from plants through leaf senescence. In the sago palm, the N and P distribution ratio to leaves remained almost constant during growth, indicating that N and P were predominantly distributed to leaves for maintaining leaf function. The photosynthetic rate [μmole carbon dioxide (CO₂) m² LA sec^‐1] at light saturation was lower in the sago palm (5.8) and oil palm (10.0) than in wheat (25.4). As leaf longevity of sago and oil palms was longer (about 12 times) than that of wheat (Triticum aevstium L.), and the minerals concentration and photosynthetic rate remained constant for a long duration of growth, the cumulative carbon (C) accumulation per unit dry weight (photosynthetic rate x leaf longevity) in the individual leaf is assumed to be equal or greater than that of wheat. The photosynthetic ability of sago and oil palms leaves is very important for understanding why sago and oil palms have high productivity in spite of a low nutrient environment.     

Effect of foliar bio-fertilization on growth and biochemical parameters of olive trees at flowering

Growth and biochemical parameters of leaves, flower buds and flowers of olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali) treated by foliar biofertilization (T0: untreated trees; T1: rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K); T2: rich in calcium (Ca); T3: application of T1 and T2) were analyzed during the flowering stage. The results showed that T1 resulted in higher contents of leaf N, K, and Na. T1 and T3 resulted in an increase of pigment concentration in leaves. All foliar treatments affected negatively the contents of total polyphenols and orthodiphenols in leaves and flower buds. Lower amounts of individual phenolic compounds were detected in the leaves under all foliar bio-fertilizations and in flower buds of olive trees sprayed with T2 and T3. This decrease is explained by the lower enzymatic activity of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. In flowers, T1 exhibits the highest levels of total polyphenols, o-diphenols, and individual phenolic compounds compared to T0.     

Plant water relations in lychee: Effects of solar radiation interception on leaf conductance and leaf water potential

The effect of radiation interception on leaf conductance and leaf water potential in six-years old lychee trees (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv. Bengal) was investigated during the dry season in subtropical Queensland, Australia. A high degree of exposure of leaves to direct radiation raised leaf-air water vapour concentration gradient (Δw) and resulted in lower leaf conductance and leaf water potential. Interior leaves of the south side of trees were less sensitive to atmospheric and radiation effects and are the best indicator of drought stress in lychee. Completely random or stratified sampling is necessary to estimate a true mean value for calculation of canopy transpiration or photosynthesis.     

Supplemental Foliar Nickel and Copper Applications Do Not Reduce Kernel Necrosis in Pecan Trees Receiving Excess Nitrogen

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wang.) K. Koch] fruit developed necrotic tissue at the basal end of the kernels in an orchard receiving large amounts of nitrogen (N) from nitrate-contaminated irrigation water. It was hypothesized that increasing canopy nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) could mitigate negative effects of excess N and reduce the incidence of kernel necrosis. Nickel, Cu, and Ni + Cu were tank mixed with zinc (Zn) and applied as a canopy application at the parachute stage of leaf development followed by two additional applications at 2-week intervals. One study was conducted for 2 years, and a second study was conducted for 1 year using the same treatments. Foliar nutrient applications increased the leaf concentration of the applied nutrients. The amount of kernel necrosis was unaffected by treatment, and no consistently positive results could be attributed to the canopy treatments.     

Trees on farms and their contribution to soil fertility parameters in Badessa, eastern Ethiopia

Surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (30–45 cm) soil samples from under canopy, edge of canopy and away from canopy of isolated Cordia africana Lam. and Croton macrostachyus Del. trees and their leaves were examined to investigate leaf nutrient content, root biomass and the contribution of trees on farms to soil fertility parameters in Badessa area, eastern Ethiopia. Leaves of C. macrostachyus had 20% higher P and 25% lower K contents than those of C. africana. The studied species had comparable leaf N content. Both species produced shallow lateral roots that extended beyond the canopy zone. Typically, higher fine root biomass was observed in the surface soils than the subsurface soils. Both species did not affect soil organic C, pH and cation exchange capacity. Surface and subsurface soils under tree canopies had 22–26 and 12–17% higher N, respectively, than the corresponding soils away from tree canopies. Surface soil available P under tree canopies was 34–50% higher than the corresponding soil away from canopies. Available P content of subsurface soil was improved only under C. africana canopy. The available P of surface soil under C. macrostachyus canopy was more than double that for C. africana. Trees of both species increased underneath surface and subsurface exchangeable K by 18–46% compared with the corresponding controls. In conclusion, C. macrostachyus and C. africana trees on farms keep soil nutrient high via protection against leaching, translocation of nutrients from deeper to the surface layer and accumulation of litter, which create a temporary nutrient pool in the surface soils under their canopies.     

Modeling the effects of nitrogen on components of coca yield

Estimating yields (leaf dry weights) of Erythroxylum coca var. coca Lam. (coca) in regions where there is no access requires a method that can be used remotely. A simulation model that characterizes coca growth under varying weather conditions offers such a method. To develop this model, crop response to its environment must be quantified. The current experiment examined how a range in nitrogen (N) availability affected N status of various parts of the coca plant and components of yield. Minimal and maximal values for N concentration in leaves, stems, and roots were determined and N status calculated. Young leaves (a small yield component) had the highest N concentration, the greatest demand for N, and snowed the greatest N stress. Old leaves had the next highest N concentration and a high demand for N, but showed the lowest N stress. Nitrogen status in old leaves was most affected by N availability. Dry weights of each leaf type increased with increased N availability, but leaf cocaine concentration was not affected. Stems and taproots had the lowest N concentrations and these were not affected by N availability. Lateral roots, closer to the source of N, had N concentrations that reflected N availability, however lateral root dry weights were not affected by N supply. Increased N availability increased (a) the number of growing points on the plant, (b) the number of leaves per growing point, and (c) the size of old leaves. Increases in these components translate into increased yields. Leaf yields correlated with the N status of leaves (r=0.58, p≤0.001), but variability in leaf yields for a given N status was too high to have strong predictive power.